Let's get serious

[Pete Masterson]

While I certainly don't expect service to be free, a rate that is
reasonable in relation to other heavy equipment service providers is
appropriate -- possibly with a modest premium for special "BB"
knowledge/experience.

I know, for example, that Camping World charges rates comparable with
other service providers for various basic services (oil change,
generator service) and for installation of various components
purchased through their stores (e.g. installing a Remco transmission
lube pump on my toad). Unfortunately, the level of BB knowledge at a
Camping World store is, essentially, non-existent (although the
Fairfield CA CW now has a couple of technicians who've experienced
the joy of working on at least one 'bird).

There are market realities. CCW/BBCoachworks could not reasonably
expect to charge substantially more that the going rate to perform
various service tasks on vintage 'birds -- nor would BB owners be
likely to seek out such service if reasonably priced (but perhaps
lower knowledge-level) alternatives exist. Some premium for the BB
knowledge is appropriate -- but only if that actually results in
better service or faster ability to track down certain unique to BB
problems. We all make judgments about the level of quality (value)
vs. cost.

There is also a very real locality issue. Service charges vary
significantly by region of the country. When I had a radiator service
(that had experience with heavy equipment) work on my coach, it's
location in the San Francisco Bay Area came with an approximate 25%
higher price than a similar service in central Oklahoma might have
charged. So, the Ft. Valley plant might be expected to have lower
hourly shop rates than the Southern California CCW facility. That
would simply reflect the different costs in land/rent, prevailing
wage rates, etc. I also note that I paid about double ($350) what
someone else claimed ($180) for a replacement motor for the generator
cooling fan. (I might have shopped more for the repair, but I would
have had a much higher hassle factor and doubtless would have had to
drive much further to deliver/pickup the motor -- so my convenience
also factored into the price I was willing to pay.)

Since I'm aware of the regional cost differentials, I accept that I'm
going to pay more in the Bay Area on service for many things, as well
as for my coach. Indeed, after backing into a pole with my toad at an
RV park in Texas, I elected to have the damage repaired by a small-
town Texas body shop rather then wait until I returned to California.
I figure I saved about 50% on the repair cost. (The damage was below
my deductible, so insurance wasn't a factor.)

So, your question is certainly realistic, but is far from simple to
answer.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at



On Jan 5, 2008, at 7:01 PM, Mike Hohnstein wrote:

> I think it's probably realistic to pose a question to the group as
> a whole. I think the time has come for members to step up to the
> plate, particularly the ones who feel they need a genuine service
> facility to fix on ALL Wanderlodges, and state what they view as a
> fair labor rate. Have at it you guys, what are you willing to
> spend, actually pull out the dusty wallet and drop some dinero.
> I'm sure 'ol Macy will be VERY interested, and such information
> could well be instrumental in justifying such a venture.
> Don't be shy, let's hear it!!!
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> AutoTransDesign.com
> 83FC35


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